The Leaning Tower

The splendor of one of the world’s most famous monuments

One of the universal symbols not only of Tuscany but of Italy as a whole, the Leaning Tower of Pisa,or rather the bell-tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in the Piazza dei Miracoli, is famous for its characteristic inclination of around 4 degrees, due to a sinking of the ground beneath it that already began in the early stages of construction.

The erection of the tower, which stands at 56 metres in height with eight floors, began in August of 1173 and continued for roughly two centuries, with two long interruptions. Resting upon sandy and unstable ground, the bell-tower already began leaning at the level of the third floor, while construction continued in the opposite direction to the inclination.

Piazza dei Miracoli

The foundations of the building are attributed to Bonanno Pisano, the man also behind the bronze doors of the Cathedral, while the original project was likely signed by Diotisalvi, who at the time was building the Baptistery. The bell-chamber by Giovanni di Simone dates to the 14th century.

After years of studies and works to reduce the Tower’s inclination and ensure its safety, it reopened to the public in the summer of 2001.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Inside, there are 294 steps required to reach the top, from which one can see a unique spectacle of the Piazza dei Miracoli and the entire city of Pisa.

Experience the city of miracles, packed with maritime history and traditions

Pisa and its Piazza dei Miracoli have always been a fundamental stop on any trip to Tuscany. Despite the overwhelming presence of tourists from all over the world, who sometimes seem to have arrived here for the sole purpose of pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower – this sacred place still emits a timeless, evocative and powerful beauty. ...